Discover Ferries reports more Brits are choosing ferry travel

2024 has seen a resurgence in ferry travel as holidaymakers opt to travel by water. Discover Ferries reports that there were more than 12.5 million passenger crossings in the past three months (IRN Ferry’s Ferrystat), with 23.5 million passenger ferry crossings in 2024 so far.

More people are travelling to France by ferry, with 8.2 million UK passenger journeys so far this year, 8% more than last year. Growing interest in rail and sea travel has also supported continued investment in sustainable ferry transport. 

Marine conservation charity ORCA works closely with ferry operators to run wildlife surveys on ships and organise deck watches and deliver environmental talks for passengers on selected routes.

Abby Penlington, Director of Discover Ferries says: “Ferry passengers can experience fantastic encounters with nature...from minke whales and humpbacks in the waters around the Scottish Hebrides, to the seal colony visible when the ships dock in Calais and the seals and dolphins in the Thames. Wildlife mini cruises, co-ordinated deck watches and special marine life packages are proving increasingly popular with holidaymakers."

To find out more about the wildlife visible on different ferry routes, Discover Ferries has an interactive Wildlife map, discoverferriesmap.com/explore

In the past three years ten new, more efficient ships have launched into service and there’s more innovation on the way. Excitement around the new ships has converted to bookings as the day tickets went on sale was Brittany Ferries’ biggest ever day for reservations. Improved onboard facilities are also driving sales. Due to the popularity of pet cabins, Condor Ferries is installing more on the Commodore Clipper. 

Penlington says: “Activities with pets and nature are climbing the ranks as important parts of people’s holidays and holiday-makers’ interest in conserving the natural world is also extending to how they can minimise their impact on the environment. New ships are generating bookings by themselves and introducing new passengers to the joy of ferry travel.”